BEYOND ANTIBIOTICS
By Lawrence Wilson, MD
© Revised, December 2007
Beyond
Antibiotics is the title of a book by two medical doctors, Keith
Sehnert and Lendon Smith. These
gutsy authors challenge one of the most sacred cows of conventional medicine, the
widespread use of antibiotics. I
have drawn information from the book to write this article.
Doctors
prescribe antibiotics at what can only be termed an incredible rate. According to several studies,
obstetricians and gynecologists write 2,645,000 antibiotic prescriptions every week. Internists prescribe 1,416,000 per
week. This works out to
211,172,000 prescriptions annually, just for the two specialties! Pediatricians prescribe over $500
million worth of antibiotics annually just for one condition, ear infections.
The
intent of this article is not to suggest that antibiotics should not be
used. They obviously can be
life-saving. However, many health
authorities are beginning to admit that antibiotics are overprescribed,
creating problems that are worse than the original condition. Let us examine antibiotics more
carefully in light of recent findings.
MYTHS ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS
Among
the prevalent myths about antibiotics are the following three:
Myth #1. Antibiotics are responsible for the decline in infectious
disease. Antibiotics are helpful
for ma y infections. However, antibiotics
have not resulted in the elimination of infectious diseases by themselves.
In
Beyond Antibiotics, the authors use graphs to trace the incidence of the
major infectious diseases from 1900 to 1973. The diseases include measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis,
typhoid fever, pneumonia, influenza, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio. All were in decline for several
decades before the introduction of antibiotics or vaccines. After reviewing the data, researchers
John McKinlay and Sonja McKinlay at Boston University concluded that "..
at most, 3.5% of the total decline in mortality since 1900 could be ascribed to
medical measures introduced for the diseases considered here". Improved nutrition and improved
sanitation and hygiene were far more important than the 'wonder drugs' or
vaccines to reduce these diseases.
Myth 2. Antibiotics are useful against colds and flu. It should be common knowledge that
antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. However, many physicians continue to
prescribe them for viral conditions such as colds and flu. The rationale is to prevent secondary
bacterial infection. This would be
fine, except for myth #3 below, the dangers of antibiotics.
Given
the dangers of antibiotics, it is prudent in most cases not to take antibiotics
for colds and flus. They can
worsen the situation and prolong recovery.
Myth #3. Antibiotics
are harmless. This is
the most insidious myth. It leads
to overprescribing, and blinds physicians and the public to the dangers of
antibiotics, described in the next section. Meanwhile, safer methods of avoiding and treating infections
are ignored on the premise that the antibiotics will take care of everything.
The
Physicians Desk Reference lists the adverse effects of antibiotics. Anyone who is taking an antibiotic (or
any other medication) should read about the adverse effects. This can help prevent nasty
surprises. The interaction between
antibiotics and other medications should also be noted. In addition to the side effects and
cautions described in books, antibiotics present other problems that are
described below.
PROBLEMS WITH ANTIBIOTICS
The
list of problems with antibiotics is quite long. Some are common and well known. Others are subtle but no less important. I have divided the adverse effects into
nine categories:
1) Allergic Reactions.
I used to worry every time I prescribed penicillin as an medical
intern. It had been explained that
every once in a while a patient would have a fatal allergic reaction to it, and
that if I practiced medicine long enough someone would die in my office after a
shot of penicillin. While this is
uncommon, other allergic reactions to antibiotics occur frequently. Not only can the drug cause a reaction,
but most antibiotics contain chemical colors, sugar and other additives that
can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.
2. Destruction Of Beneficial Bowel Flora. Like pesticides, antibiotics kill good
bugs along with the bad ones.
Wide-spectrum antibiotics are notorious for this. The human intestine has a somewhat
delicate ecology in which certain bugs help digest food, produce certain
vitamins, and maintain a balance of organisms that prevents harmful bacteria
and yeasts from multiplying.
Wide-spectrum
antibiotics derange the normal ecology of the intestine. This can cause parasitic infection,
vitamin deficiencies, loss of minerals through diarrhea, inflammation of the
gut, malabsorption syndromes and development of food allergies due to defects
in intestinal function.
3. Development Of Resistant Species Of Micro-organisms. An article in Science Magazine, August 1992,
stated, "Doctors in hospitals and clinics around the world are losing the
battle against an onslaught of new drug-resistant bacterial infections including
staph, pneumonia, strep, tuberculosis, dysentery and other diseases that are
costly and difficult, if not impossible, to treat".
Bacteria
have a certain ability to mutate.
Antibiotics kill bacteria that are susceptible to their action, but this
leaves the field open for mutant strains to multiply even more. It is a case of survival of the
fittest. The use of antibiotics
actually encourages the development of the mutant, drug-resistant
super-bacteria.
4. Immune Suppression.
This may sound odd, as the purpose of antibiotics is presumably to help
the immune system. However,
evidence indicates that people treated with antibiotics have more repeat
infections than those who are not treated. This is especially true of children whose ear infections are
treated with antibiotics. Vitamin
A and herbs are much more effective.
In
fact, antibiotics do not aid the immune system. They replace one of its functions. Antibiotics act by inhibiting certain enzymatic processes of
bacteria, and by changing mineral balances. Normal cells, however, are also affected. This may be one reason why antibiotics
weaken the immune system. Other
toxic effects of antibiotics, such as the effect upon the normal bowel flora,
may also contribute to a weaker immune system.
The
latest research on AIDS indicates that a risk factor for AIDS is an impaired
immune system, which can be due to a history of repeated antibiotic use. Oops!
5. Overgrowth of Candida Albicans And Other More Dangerous
Intestinal Flora. Normally,
candida albicans, a common yeast, lives peacefully in our intestines and
elsewhere, in harmony with other flora that keep the yeast in check. Take an antibiotic and all this
changes. By suppressing the normal
flora, candida takes over and problems begin. In its mild form the result is diarrhea or a yeast
infection.
Far
more serious is the growing problem of chronic muco-cutaneous yeast
infection. This is described in
books such as The Yeast Connection and The Yeast Syndrome. It is a major iatrogenic illness today,
and a very debilitating and potentially fatal condition. One of the prime risk factors for
chronic candida infection is repeated antibiotic use.
Even more dangerous is that antibiotic use opens the intestines to infection by
other species of pathogenic or disease-causing bugs, parasites, yeasts and
other types of organisms ranging from amebas to far more toxic ones that can
cause all types of systemic damage, as well as damage to the intestinal lining
and related areas.
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
This is another 'new' health plague. It is associated with chronic viral illness and a weakened
immune system. While its exact
origins are not clear, one of the major risk factors for chronic fatigue
syndrome is - you guessed it - repeated antibiotic use.
7. Nutrient Loss And Resulting Deficiency States. Nutrient loss from antibiotics is due
in part to diarrhea, which causes a loss of essential minerals. Destruction of friendly bacteria in the
intestines can also impair the synthesis of certain vitamins in the
intestines. While not a major
cause of malnutrition, antibiotic usage may be another factor contributing to
poor nutrition and thus a weakened body chemistry.
8. Treating Effects, Not Causes. Antibiotics only address the end-stage result of a weakened
body chemistry - bacterial invasion.
The bacteria may only be there to "mop up" the biological
debris that are present because the body is too weak to eliminate the
poisons. Fever is one way the body
burns up toxic substances.
Providing it does not get out of hand, the infectious process can serve
a useful purpose. Cutting short
the process with antibiotics aborts the cleansing function of a fever and
impairs long-term health.
Horse
manure, you might say. No it is
not. I know this because on tissue
mineral tests, there are clear indicators of increased susceptibility to
infections. The indicators are: 1)
a low energy level, 2) a low sodium/potassium ratio, 3) toxic levels of
mercury, copper, or cadmium, and 4) low zinc. In hundreds of cases, when these imbalances are corrected,
the tendency for infections decreases drastically. In other words, healthy people do not get as many
infections. Infections do not
strike randomly. There is a logic
to infections, and the underlying causes can be addressed.
This
line of reasoning traces back to the famous debate between Pasteur and
Beauchamp. Dr. Pasteur insisted
that germs are the cause of disease.
His colleague, Beauchamp, insisted that the health of the host was more
important than the germs. On his
death bed, Pasteur was said to have declared that Beauchamp was correct -
"the host is everything, the germs are nothing". Orthodox medicine, however, embraced
Pasteur's view, and ignored Beauchamp.
It is time to focus more on the person, and less on the germs.
9. High Cost. While the cost
of a single antibiotic prescription may not be extremely high, newer ones are
somewhat costly. The costs are
high when the side effects are considered, along with the sheer numbers of
prescriptions that are written around the world each day , month and year.
Millions
of doctor visits and prescriptions for antibiotics add up to a major
expense. While penicillin is not
expensive, other newer antibiotics are quite costly. These newer antibiotics are used more frequently today due
to the presence of penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria. We must also include in the cost of
antibiotics the cost of allergic reactions, candida albicans infections, repeat
infections, development of resistant organisms and immune suppression.
The
cost is justified if life is at stake.
However, if less toxic and less costly alternatives can be used,
shouldn't these be tried first? Bringing
health care costs under control is not just a matter of eliminating waste and
inefficiency. We need methods of
healing that build up the health of the people, not tear it down.
REDUCING THE NEED FOR ANTIBIOTICS
Steps
to avoid the need for antibiotics can be divided into two areas: prevention of
infection, and alternative treatment of infections.
Preventing Infections:
Preventing
infections is a part of taking back control over your life and health. You can do a lot to prevent infections. Much of it involves common sense.
1. Cleanliness matters. Wash your hands several times daily, wash wounds carefully,
dress properly in cold weather, and obtain adequate rest and sleep. Proper hygiene and sanitation are
measures we often take for granted.
Also
on the subject of cleanliness, be careful in restroom, especially public
ones. Wash your hands before and
after using the toilet, ideally, but at least afterwards, and use the towel
that you dry your hands with to reach for the door and even the flusher if the
room is not clean. Most public
restrooms are filthy. Do not put clothing,
baggage or purses on the floor.
2, Diet, Rest and Sleep. Rest and sleep are of utmost importance to avoid infections
of all kinds. In addition, a
healthful diet is also most critical.
Adequate intake of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and
zinc are important for the immune system.
Fresh, natural, unsprayed foods contain much higher amounts of nutrients
than the processed and artificial 'junk' foods so commonly eaten today. Do your best to find meats that are antibiotic-free
and hormone-free. Drink water that
is as pure as possible. Unlike some health authorities, I use bottled water
although it is packaged in plastic.
I believe this is better than taking a chance on tap water in most
locations. Well water may be
better than city water.
Also,
healthful eating habits are almost as important as what you eat. Eat regular meals, slowly, in a relaxed
manner, chew thoroughly and rest after the meal at least five or ten minutes
before resuming your regular activities.
Do not eat on the run, but sit quietly without talking on the telephone
or driving a car while eating.
3. Reduce Toxic Exposure. Reduce or eliminate your exposure to toxic chemicals from food,
air, water or through direct contact with your skin or elsewhere (such as
mercury amalgam dental fillings).
Also, breathe air that is as pure as possible. We realize that in cities this is impossible. Air purifiers in the home can be
helpful in this Don’t even store toxic cleaning agents, solvents and other
toxic chemicals inside your home, and look for less toxic alternatives. Have your silver amalgam dental
fillings replaced, if possible, with composite or other, less toxic
alternatives. Mercury used in
amalgams is known to inhibit the immune system.
4. Attitudes. Your thoughts and attitudes affect
your immune system more than you may imagine. Fears, anger, worries and resentments tend to weaken the
immune system. Positive, inspiring
thoughts have a beneficial effect on the body. Deep breathing, which helps oxygenate the blood, has a very
beneficial effect upon the immune system. Saunas, steam baths, yoga, and other natural health
practices may also help prevent infections, providing you do not overdo on
anything.
Alternatives for Treating Infections:
In
case of an infection, don't ignore it!
Even a simple cold, ear ache, or infected cut can turn into a serious
problem. There is no reason to
wait even a day to apply natural methods.
Simple measures can be surprisingly effective.
1.
Colloidal Silver. This is
one of the most effective and safest substitute for an antibiotic. It works on a wide variety of
organisms, including fungus, virus, many bacteria and some parasites as well. Use as directed. The usual dosage for an average-sized
adult is between one teaspoon to one tablespoon three times daily, away from
any food or drink, including water.
The dosage depends on the age and weight of the person and on the
strength of the preparation of colloidal silver. We often prefer the lower dosage product, which seems to
work as well as others, yet carries less possibility of toxicity or of damaging
the ideal intestinal flora. We
like a brand of colloidal silver called Arabesque. It is available from this website (click here) or from
(480) 354-1565.
2.
Vitamin A. Vitamin A
I(from fish oil, and not beta-carotene) is a little-known immune stimulant that
often works extremely well and carries very low toxicity if taken for a short
time, say a week or so. The dosage
for an adult is about 50,000 iu (international units) three times daily. It may be taken with or without food or
water. If the infection is not
responding to silver and vitamin A, it is time to check with a physician or use
other methods described herein.
3.
Sauna Baths. Sauna
therapy is fabulous for all infections caused by microorganisms ranging from
fungus to viral to parasitic. It
is also superb fo chronic sinus and other chronic infections. Sauna therapy is discussed in other
articles. To read about it, click here. For acute infections, a number of short
sauna sessions is often best, with each session no more than 10-20 minutes
each. One may take three or four
sessions daily, preferably when most relaxed such as upon awakening and before
bedtime.
4.
Bee Propolis. This is
another excellent natural remedy with very low toxicity. It is not quite as potent as the
others, but is excellent support for any infection. It comes in capsules, tablets or thick liquid that stains
anything it touches. Take at least
three capsules or up to 9 tablets daily for an infection.
5.
Coffee Enemas And/Or Colon Cleansing. This may seem like an odd treatment for infections of all
kinds, but they are quite effective in some cases. Toxins in the intestines and constipation make the job of
fighting infection much more difficult.
Especially if an infection is severe, make sure the bowels move. If not, clean them out with an enema or
colonic irrigation. Coffee stimulates
bile release and adds to the effect of an enema. One or two per day is excellent for treatment or prevention,
for that matter.
6.
Other. Many other
remedies can stop or reduce an infection. For adults, Vitamin C in dosages of 3
to 6 grams per day is very safe.
It may cause diarrhea as a side effect, but is often helpful. Herbs such as garlic, echinacea, golden
seal, lomatium and astralagus are helpful. Another simple remedy that works well on some topical
infections are packs or poultices made with ordinary clay or even mud. This can be life-saving in an emergency
situation.
Grapefruit
seed extract has antimicrobial properties and can be helpful as well. These other methods are somewhat less reliable
in our experience, but may be combined well with the remedies listed above
these.
In
addition, if you are ill, rest as much as possible. There is no substitute for extra
rest. Also, eat lightly. Chicken soup is a proven remedy and may
contain substances that help fight infections. Reduce excessive food intake and avoid all sugar and sweets. This can upset metabolism. A little vegetable juice is okay,
however, such as carrot juice.
When high fever is present, fasting on water alone for a day or two only
may be very helpful.
To
reduce fever, sponge the person with water or a mixture of water and
alcohol. Do not use aspirin or
Tylenol, if possible, to reduce a fever.
Sponging allows the fever reaction to proceed in a healthful
manner. Tylenol or aspirin slows
the fever reaction and can prolong the illness. It also introduces another toxic drug. Bed rest is also very important when a
high fever is present, along with drinking plenty of spring or distilled water! Children who are sick should not be
sent to school.
These
simple measures for infection are often forgotten in the belief that the
'wonder drugs' will take care of everything, and that rest is not
important. This is a common cause
of complications or slow recovery. Complications of drug therapy for
infection are so common the problem is overlooked. In many instances, the infection is just stopped, but not
eradicated. Most people carry
residues of their bacterial and viral infections for years as a result of
following “doctors orders” instead of using natural methods and allowing the
body to overcome and eliminate the infection at its own pace.
Remember,
vitamins, minerals and herbs should be started at the first sign of infection. Do not delay, as complications can set
in quickly and be life-threatening.
More and more microbes are resistant to ordinary drugs, so the methods
above may prove very important to recall when needed. Also, if one method is not working, try another and do not
hesitate to combine the natural methods, or use them along with antibiotics or
other medication if you want to.
Natural
methods often work quickly, but may take longer to work than antibiotics. Patience and persistence is essential
in a severe case of infection.
Each person and each situation is different. Sinus infections, for example, I have found respond more
slowly to natural methods than to antibiotics, but the results are often
permanent with natural methods. A
single red infrared heat light (250-watt bulb sold at Home Depot or other
hardware store) shined on the
sinuses for 5 minutes every hour is also superb. Colloidal silver can also be sniffed or inhaled into the sinuses with excellent
results. It should also be used
systemically by mouth at the same time.
Even toothaches can respond this way, although one may need to visit the
dentist to find out where the problem is originating from. Always consult a
knowledgeable person if you are not sure what to do.
CONCLUSION
Antibiotics
are an important class of medications that save many lives. However, antibiotics are very often
overprescribed and recommended when simple natural remedies would work better
with far fewer adverse effects.
Antibiotics
have many side effects. A more
balanced approach is to begin living so as to enhance and keep your immune
system strong. If an infection
occurs, apply harmless and simple natural measures immediately. Ask for help if you are not sure how to
do this. Most often, the natural
methods work very well. Reserve
the antibiotics for when they are appropriate, which is usually only as a last
resort.
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